Brooks Town Council opens public hearing on proposed tax increase; no public comments

Mayor Daniel Langford called the Brooks Town Council meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 and opened a public hearing at 4:34 p.m. on a proposed tax increase and the town—ill millage rate. The hearing drew no attendees or public comments and was closed at 4:45 p.m.

Why it matters: The public hearing was held to solicit community feedback on a proposed change to the town—ill tax rate and millage; however, no residents spoke. Without public input at this session, council members did not debate or vote on a rate during the meeting and no formal change was adopted that night.

Council procedure and votes: At the start of the meeting, Council Member Ted Britt moved to approve the meeting agenda "as presented," and Council Member Todd Speer seconded the motion; the council voted unanimously to approve the agenda. After the public hearing was opened and then closed with no public comments, Council Member Brian Davis moved to adjourn; Council Member Kay Brumbelow seconded the motion and the vote to adjourn was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.

What the record shows and what is missing: The transcript records that the hearing concerned a proposed tax increase and the millage rate, but it does not specify the proposed millage rate, the percentage change, or any dollar figures. The transcript also does not record any staff presentation, public testimony, or a council decision on a new rate during this meeting.

Next steps: The transcript does not state whether the council scheduled another hearing or when a decision on the proposed rate will be made. The town clerk filed the meeting minutes following the session.